The Golden Age COMP-54 is a one-channel vintage-style compressor. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The line input and output are transformer balanced and the unit also has a third interstage transformer.

The class-A circuit used in the COMP-54 is similar to the one in the classic 2254 compressor that was designed in 1969. It quickly became a legend due to itÂ´s totally unique sound character that is warm, smooth, sweet and musical. These characteristics have been heard on countless recordings through the years and it is a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and in most genres. The essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone.

The COMP-54 uses a diode bridge as the gain control element, a method that is revered for its smooth way of operation. Some of the most sought after vintage compressor designs, like the 2254, 2264, 33609, Siemens and EMI used the same basic design.

The controls in the COMP-54 are very flexible covering broad ranges of Ratio, Attack and Release times, including two Auto positions. All controls except the Gain make-up one are stepped for easy resetting and stereo matching.There are three selectable sidechain high pass filter frequencies available to handle special situations.

The Bypass switch is a true bypass where a relay switches the complete circuitry in or out. The IN/OUT switch makes it possible to switch the compression on and off while retaining the coloring from the transformers and the electronic circuitry.The meter can show output level or gain reduction. It is also possible to link two units for stereo operation.

About Golden Age Project

Affordable vintage-style recording equipmentGolden Age Music is a Swedish company with almost 20 years of experience in the high-end audio field. Golden Age Project started as a small complementary business to Golden Age Music's huge catalogue of high-end audio gear. Golden Age wanted to reach out to everyone interested in vintage style audio recording, not just the pro clique. GA thought that with the knowledge of their technical crew and long-time experience in the field, they could create a brand of affordable mics and outboard for everyone!

FEATURES

Vintage-style electronics

Based on classic diode-bridge designs

Transformer-balanced I/O

Transformer upgrade (Carnhill) available

Flexible control of Ratio, Attack and Release

Stepped controls (except Gain make-up) for repeatability

Three selectable Sidechain filter frequencies

Separate Bypass and Compression In/Out switches

Meter selectable for Output and Gain Reduction

Link two units for stereo operation

Separate input/output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connection

Back-panel switch for 600 ohm termination.

External power power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuitry and transformers.

Great sound that suits most sound sources and genres

Golden Age PRoject fills in the price GAP between professional gear and the home/project studio. Order your COMP-54 today.

Bought a comp 54 and the meter did not work, the needle would not move at all. So I returned it in exchange for another comp 54 unit. On the second unit the meter worked to show gain reduction but the output function of the meter didn't work. Maybee I was just unlucky but I didn't try a third time and I couldn't recommend to a friend due to this lack of quallity control.

Just got one of these to mate with the Golden Age pre-amp and I'm really happy with the purchase. Until now I've been using the preamp with a popular, budget-priced, quarter-space compressor, and it was "Really Nice" on vocals and guitar, but was giving me unacceptable distortion whenever I was trying to track electric bass guitar. Gave this a thorough workout last night tracking my Fender Jazz direct into my Protools rig and the results were fantastic! Ranges on the Attack & Release controls allowed me to easily dial in a beautiful thick and punchy bass sound.

Compared to a Joe Meek 6Q channel strip that I have, the Golden Age pairing had a warmer sound with a more solid bottom end. With similar settings, the JM6Q did deliver a more modern top end sheen with tighter transient attack, but felt thinner on the bottom. Only drawback I could notice was that compared to a modern IC-based unit, the Comp54 added a slight bit more noise at higher compression/gain levels, but not enough to be noticeable unless you "solo" the track. (I guess that's the small price you pay for all that warm "vintage color").

If you've outgrown your budget/entry-level compressor, but can't afford the huge price leap to the pro-grade stuff, I think this compressor offers a lot of sound quality and features at a great price point. Certainly, if you've already got one of the Golden Age pre-amps, it's almost a "no-brainer" to pair it up with one of these to form an awesome "Vintage British" channel strip at a relatively modest price. Great sounds & great value!

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